Cultural heritage sites don’t thrive on UNESCO recognition alone. Many rely on marketing strategies to reach a discerning audience of travelers seeking meaningful experiences.
Beijing’s Forbidden City is more than just a palace complex; it’s a treasure trove of history and art. The Nabataeans carved Petra into rose colored sandstone cliffs. Spend time squeezing through the Siq, marveling at the Treasury, and exploring the city.
1. Ayutthaya Historical Park
The large Ayuthaya Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see when visiting Thailand. During its peak, this once powerful city was home to palaces, temples, and monasteries that would leave any traveler in awe. However, in 1767, the city was invaded by the Burmese army and many of these relics were destroyed. Some of the temples and reliquary towers have been rebuilt, while others remain in ruins.
The main temple in the area is Wat Phra Si Sanphet, which was built in 1448 and has been restored several times. The temple features a large image of Buddha that was once covered in gold. It is the most impressive of all the temples at Ayuthaya and one that you must visit when traveling to Thailand. Another great temple to see is Wat Mahathat. This temple was built after a king had a vision that led him to discover Buddha relics. The temple features a large statue of Buddha that sits in a lotus position. It is a beautiful statue and is often seen on postcards of Thailand.
There are plenty of other temples and relics to see at Ayuthaya, which is why it’s important to plan to spend a day or more exploring the area. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy, including cycling around the temples and eating at local restaurants. Ayuthaya is a quick and easy getaway from Bangkok and is a fantastic place to learn more about Thailand’s history and culture. If you are interested in visiting Ayuthaya, then it’s a good idea to book a tour from a reliable guide. They can help you make the most of your trip to this historic site and ensure that you get to see all of its highlights.
2. Bali’s Rice Terraces
One of the island’s most renowned and breathtaking natural wonders, Bali’s rice terraces are a sight to behold. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a beautiful example of how humans and nature can come together to form a magnificent masterpiece. The terraces are a testament to the island’s rich culture and tradition, as well as its sustainable agriculture system.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is a must-see destination for any visitor to the island. Located in the northern part of the island, this picturesque location is home to rice fields and traditional villages. It is also a great spot for hiking, thanks to its serene and pristine landscapes. The area is a living proof of how the locals have been able to shape nature in order to grow rice on the steep slopes of the mountains.
The best time to visit the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces would be from October until March, as this is when the rice fields are at their greenest. However, the views are still stunning all year round due to the practice of ‘succession farming’.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces is another popular tourist attraction in the island, and is easily accessible by car from Ubud. It is a popular place for tourists to take photos, but be aware that it can get quite crowded during peak hours.
The Pacung Rice Terraces is another gorgeous site that is located in Baturiti village and requires a 1.5-hour drive from Ubud. It is recommended to arrive here as early as possible in order to avoid the crowds and heat. Visitors can hike through the terraces, try out the Bali swings, and learn more about the importance of rice cultivation in Balinese culture.
3. Leshan Giant Buddha
Located on the side of Lingyun Mountain, the Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest statue of its kind in the world. The seated buddha is believed to be Maitreya, one of the disciples of Sakyamuni, the supposed founder of Buddhism. It symbolizes the idea of brightness and happiness and is worshipped widely in China. You’ll see images of the stout buddha in numerous Buddhist temples across the country.
The statue was carved by a monk named Haitong in the 8th century to oversee passing ships along the Qingyi, Min and Dadu rivers. Since then, many other temples and structures have been added to the area around the statue, transforming it into one of China’s holiest sites for Buddhism. The cliffside where the three rivers meet is also home to unique subtropical and subalpine forests featuring trees that are over 100 years old.
To avoid erosion and protect the buddha from damage, Haitong and his team built a secret drainage system into the statue. The system has channels and hidden gutters that displace rainwater to reduce weathering of the statue. The structure’s intricate details have wowed visitors for centuries, including 1,021 buns of coiled hair embedded into the buddha’s head and ears.
You can visit the Leshan Giant Buddha all year round, but March to May and September to November are the best times to go as it offers comfortable weather. The summer months can be uncomfortably hot and humid, and the trails get slippery during heavy rainfalls.
You can reach Leshan by taking the Chengdu-Leshan-Emeishan Intercity High-speed Train or bus 3. You’ll need to purchase a ticket for the Mount Emei Scenic Area as well to access the Buddha and the surrounding attractions.
4. Bukhara
The medieval city of Bukhara is one of the most impressive and important cultural heritage sites in Central Asia. The city was a vital trade center during the Silk Road era when it was home to merchants from India, China and other countries. They traded silk scarves, Bukharian knives and scissors, exquisite embroidery and local pottery. Special trading domes offered protection from the sun and wind for the itinerant traders.
The city has a wealth of historical buildings and is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. While some of the city’s historic buildings have been destroyed over time others have been rebuilt. The highlight is the Poi Kalon ensemble in the heart of old Bukhara. This impressive complex of mosques, madrasas, and a minaret from the 16th century will catch your breath.
Another must see is the Bolo Hauz Mosque. What this small mosque lacks in size it makes up for with its intricate patterns and stunning ceilings. It is a calming sight to visit, especially since it’s one of the few places in the city that has not been overtaken by tourist stalls.
Lastly, make sure to visit the Samonid Park. This small mausoleum may not look impressive but it’s one of the oldest in the city and has a unique design that incorporates both Zoroastrian elements with Islamic ones.
Bukhara is also a great place to shop with plenty of markets and bazaars around. The main shopping area is in the four large trading domes that are located on a busy street in the middle of town from Lyabi Khuse to the Kalyan Minaret. The outer walls of these trading domes have a bulbous shape that’s quite distinctive and are a must-see photo spot.
5. Meteora
Upon first sighting the cluster of gnarled rocks that jut out from the horizon, some travelers have likened Meteora to “the moon.” This natural phenomenon is unlike anything else on earth, formed by tectonic forces and shaped over millennia into an otherworldly landscape. Aside from the awe-inspiring cliffs, visitors come for the monasteries perched on top—a living relic of the ancient ascetic tradition.
At its peak, the rocks were home to more than two dozen monasteries. Six remain today, including St. Nicholas Anapafasas, Rousanou, Varlaam, Holy Trinity, and Great Meteoron—all of which house organized monastic communities that are open to the public. Guests can explore the jaw-dropping churches and monk “prisons” that dot the landscape, and learn about the monastic lifestyle from their hosts.
There are also three other monasteries, known as sketes, that are harder to reach and don’t have permanent resident monks—but they still offer spectacular views of the landscape from their narrow balconies and ladders. Hermit monks began using the inaccessible cliffs as an ascetic base in the ninth century, and grew grapes, wheat, and potatoes here to sustain themselves. The monasteries were a refuge from marauders and offered peace and quiet for prayer.
Whether you’re just interested in the monastery or want to take advantage of the many hiking trails and other outdoor activities, this is a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pack a lunch, and make sure to visit during sunset for the best photo opportunities—and the most peaceful experience of all. Located near Kalambaka, the largest of the rock formations, there are plenty of things to do in the surrounding area—and you can easily spend a full day exploring the peaks and crags.
